Miss Irene Onwuka, Ex-Miss Ambassador for
Peace(MAFP)2013, said over 2,500 school chidren, drawn from different background
are expected in the Federal Capital
Territory for a National Children Peace
Concert on May 27.
She told Newsmen
on Friday in Abuja that the event is aninitiative of Queen Irene Onwuka Peace Foundation (QIOP) to
mark the 2018 Children’s Day.
According to her, the Foundation, which is
her humanitarian initiative, was set to preach the message of peaceful
co-existence among Nigerians through children, as part of its ‘Peace Education Campaign’.
“Nigerian children want to advocate for peace
with one voice, calling on their parents and leaders that they want to grow up
and fulfil their dreams in a peaceful and united country.
“This is not just about having fun as usual,because
2500 school children will gather at the International Conference Centre with the core message of peace,
love and unity.
“These children know about the different challenges
threatening the peace across Nigeria,so they
are coming out from every tribe, religion
and background to advocte for peace
using songs, poem recitations, drama and
other performances.
“Parents would hear their children speak bare
their minds, if they actually fill secure with the reports of destrctions of
lives and properties going on every day in Nigeria,”she said.
Onwuka explained that the ‘peace concert’ with
the theme: ” The Nigerian Children Advocating for Peace,Unity and
Love”, was scheduled to hold in the nation’s capital because it connotes
unity in diversity.
She added that the Federal Capital Territory
Administration was partnering with QIOP Foundation
in holding the children’s peace fiesta in the territory.
According to her, to reflect the the message of
tolerance irrespective of religion, and tribal differences,students were drawn
from both private and public schools from the FCT and other states.
“There is no discrimination, children are coming
from the North,South,East and West of Nigeria, from public and private schools,
from rural and urban areas.
“It is high time we began to build the
consciousness of being a Nigerian void of tribal and religious sentiments.
“When we teach our children the importance of tribal and religious tolerance, then a
peaceful and unity Nigeria of our dreams will be guaranteed,”she said.
The Miss Ambassador explained that cultural
songs, peoms and other performaces on peace advocy would be presented by the
children.
Onwuka added that relevant stakeholders and civil
society groups,in collaboration withe QIOP Foundation, would present
educational materials, and scholarships to indigent students at the event.
She explained that the Honourable Minister of the
FCT Mohammed Bello and other stakeholders, especially in the education
sector,would speak to the children.
She added that top artistes, within and outside
the Territory, would be present to entertain the students.
